I've been considering different options for volunteer and service work over the past few months; trying to figure out where I could both use my skills and make a real difference... I finally found a cause in which I believe, where I can offer my talent and expertise as a teacher in a few different areas! Many people come to US for safety after being exploited for slave labor, prostitution, and war (child soldiers), or they are victims of violence, oppression, and civil war (like current Syrians seeking asylum). I can teach them English, American culture, how to use the public transportation system and how to manage their money and get started in the rebuilding of their lives. I really look forward to this! I was first introduced to this area of service a few years ago when visiting Buffalo, and attending a Zonta International meeting with my friend Janice, where several refugees spoke of their relocation and transition and how their lives were saved, and ultimately, improved (I volunteered for Zonta way back in the Aughts when I lived in Buffalo). I thought how wonderful it would be to help others acclimate and transition after escaping brutal and harsh conditions. We have it so easy here in the US. I was reminded of this desire watching two movies recently: The Good Lie (about Sudanese refugees) and Blood Diamond (civil war and diamond mining in Sierra Leon), both about Africans seeking asylum. If America is Great; if America is a World Leader, then our greatness lies in our strength to help all world citizens, the greatness of our power is held in our ability to care for all humans of the world, our leadership is an obligation of our origin as a nation of immigrants. Lest you all forget.